What would you do if you discovered your health insurance would not cover your long-awaited total hip replacement scheduled for Friday, January 19 (3 days from now?)How did this happen?

In September without warning I found myself unable to walk without a great deal of pain. What I thought was a pulled muscle was actually a hip without any cartilage and no blood flow either which made any movement extremely painful due to bone on bone. A total hip replacement wasthe only recommendation.I was uninsured and spent my own funds on the doctors, x-rays, and MRI's needed to diagnose the problem.

I knew I needed insurance for surgery and waited for the open enrollment in the Affordable Care Act. My only concern was that the surgeon and the operation be covered.I was assured that such was the case and enrolled in a FL healthcare plan BC/BS affiliate. Quite simply, I was lied to. I was recently informed that nothing would be covered! The surgeon has generously offered to waive his fee but I need more.

I have been unable to earn a living but with the help of my wonderful employers, co-workers and customers have survived in a modified job and we've held jewelry auctions and sales to help me with expenses of living and to come up with 25% coinsurance I was told was my portion.

I have been helped by so many already I hate to ask for more but unless I come up with at least 25% of the average total cost of hip replacement in this area ($39,000!)I fear my surgery will be cancelled. I am willing to make payments on the balance. I cannot bear any more than 3 more days of this life-changing pain Ive been suffering since September.

If you can help me please do. I am in desperate need of a new hip so I can walk again without a cane or walker. I cannot thank you enough.